Sherlock texted Lestrade his findings as they made the drive to Liverpool. The one upside to having a car was not having to take a cab. He didn't have to pull out extra notes to urge the driver to go faster. Bill was doing a decent job of driving as fast as possible. He had a determined look on his face, not bothering to talk to Sherlock. He had figured the man would have at least one question. Well, he was better off with silence. Sherlock could think and give directions at the same time.
If his theory was correct, they would probably catch the smugglers in the act. Lestrade would come, arrest them and then take them for questioning. He would hopefully be able to meet one of the creatures he's been read about. In all, he could have the case wrapped up in the next day or so. Staring out the window, he could feel the anticipation roll through him. He was very close to finally meeting John. Mysterious John that took too much of his thinking process. The same John who Bill told interesting stories about. He still didn't know how the two met.
Bill was very tight-lipped on the subject, promising that it was a story that was better told with John present. Boring. He gave Bill more directions as he pondered on what kind of creature he would see.
Of course, as with everything that had to do with Sherlock's life, things went straight to shit. They had walked into the robbery as Sherlock predicted but to a scene the detective had trouble processing. A sphinx was fighting off three dark clothed men (a fourth was on the floor near the doorway with half his face eroded away by an acid) to get it into a wheeled cage. The creature let out defiant screeches with his snake head tail trying to bite the intruders if they got too close.
The fight was brutal even with the element of surprise on their side. Sherlock had a large bruise on his cheek from a well thrown punch and a sore shoulder from being thrown to the floor. He could see that Bill had a hard time breathing, which wasn't surprising with the punches he took to his ribs. He had been in worst fights but he was annoyed the suspects escaped. Bill groaned as he sat on the couch, testing his ribs for damage once he checked Sherlock's injuries. He hadn't been in a fight like that since the army.
"The smugglers said that 'Moriarty' would be pissed. Know anything about that?" Bill asked.
"No. Intriguing, but not important now." Sherlock said, more than distracted by the creature.
The sphinx (Greek origins, human female head and torso, lioness body and large bird wings [has dark green fur and feathers],sable skin [unheard of for London's climate], a serpentine tail [correction: a tail with a functional snake's head?] able to control or sentient unknown) compose itself and smooth down its ruffled appearance. Sherlock caught curious red eyes looking at him and desperately wanted to touch. It wasn't like anything that he had imagined. The sphinx was easily as big as a true lion on all four. To his calculations, it would be at least Bill's height on hind legs.
"Thank you, gentlemen for you saving me. I had forgotten how rude you humans could be. Though I wished you could have come sooner to save my darling companion. " the creature said with a moderately heavy Greek accent, sparing a glance to the kitchen.
A pair of feminine legs were sticking out in view, a pool of blood cooling on the hardwood floor. "She was such a sweet human woman."
"May we ask your name? I'm Bill Murray and the man who is looks like he wants to dissect you is Sherlock Holmes. I'm sorry for your loss." Bill said, startled as the sphinx came and sat in front of him.
"Nice to meet you. My true name has no translation in this modern language but my human called me Chara. You smell of the sandfolk. I am intrigued you know of creatures like us." She smiled before giving turning to give Sherlock a cheeky wink. "Your friend has never seen one of us before, has he? I can smell it. Come closer, pup. You can touch me."
Sherlock blinked in surprise at the very human face (half-open eyes [a sleepy look but very aware], long [shoulder length] black hair, full lips and sharp-looking teeth) that stared at him. Well, he did have permission. Sherlock took careful steps over before taking a seat next to Bill. His hand trembled slightly as he placed it on Chara's back. The transition into human to lioness to wings was seamless. He cataloged all his deductions to himself, taking the time to process. Chara chuckled at Sherlock's attention, purring at the sensations. Bill could only roll his eyes as he wondered what Sherlock could possibly be thinking about.
"He'll be out for a minute. Probably in his 'Mind Palace' or whatever. Mind if I ask you some questions, Chara?"
"Not at all, pup. I consider it a treat. We Strangers don't really bother with your kind unless by chance."
Bill took out his book and a pen, not writing just yet. He was confused by the phrase. Strangers? He had heard John use the term once but he couldn't remember where.
"Strangers?"
Chara nodded, leaning on the couch and folding her arms across her chest. "Creatures like me. The ones you humans put off in your paper books and forgot. We are not like you after all. We are other. Things that don't die or go into slumber when tired of the constraints of time. Strangers."
"Fascinating. So you just...leave humans alone now?"
"Of course, pup. You humans are smart but stupid. You make these wonderful contraptions, always adapting, always learning. But, you are not like the humans of past who believed in us. Sought us out. This...new world is not for us. So, we Strangers keep to ourselves and interact with who we please."
Bill nodded quietly at the solemn look on Chara's face. He figured it would be better to move to happier topics. He didn't know how much time had passed until interrupted him in a middle of question. Sherlock realize that he moved from examining to petting the sphinx. Promptly moving his hand and ignoring the disappointed whine he had, Sherlock knew they were wasting precious time.
The men were long gone but they could still catch them. Plus, there were bodies that needed be taken care off. They were in Liverpool already and could check the docks if they were quick enough. They had some help to make the hunt a bit easier. He turned his attention to Chara and looked down where he found himself with a lap full of a curled up snake tail. Considering the melted face of the intruder, Sherlock figured he should approach her carefully.
"I have a request to ask of you. It is for your assistance." Sherlock said as he tentatively stroked the snake head, earning a lick to his hand.
Chara looked at Sherlock curiously at the ask of help. "What would my assistance require, pup? And don't stop your hands. I quite enjoyed your nimble fingers." she teased.
Sherlock told himself he was not embarrassed. He ignored Bill's snickering to do what he was asked. It seemed he was doing a good job as Chara let out a hum of delight.
"I assume that you have an enhanced sense of smell and could lead us to your attackers. They have been taking creatures like you and I believe their base is at the docks."
Chara let a growl, remembering how humans attacked her in her home. They even killed her longtime human friend. She could only imagine how the other Strangers were suffering. Taking a calming breath, she nodded.
"I shall give you the assistance you require. These humans must know things they should not to capture us so easily." She frowned, staring at the mobile that Sherlock took in his hand. "But, I cannot without causing panic. Flying would make me be seen and I can't walk the streets. Do you have any way of transportation, pup?"
The sphinx was right, of course. Sherlock couldn't believe he had not thought of it. People would panic and that would get them nowhere fast. Tedious and time-consuming. It meant that Lestrade's assistance was required. Sherlock rather get the case finished but he knew they would need more than two people. First, he needed to make sure everything would be fine.
"Do you mind that more humans seeing and knowing about your existence?"
"No. A few more humans do not make a difference to me. It's been centuries since I've been close to so many."
Good. He didn't want a problem. Sherlock could feel excitement of closing a case creeping upon him. A smirk worked its way to his face as he texted Lestrade the address again and the information first. That was just to get Lestrade to not ask the obvious questions when he arrived. The second text was the most important one anyway.
Bring only your team and an extra squad car. I have a witness and assistance to close the case. SH
